Sorghum Seedling Drought Response: in Search of Tolerant Genotypes

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Drought stress is a major factor contributing disease susceptibility and yield loss in agricultural crops. The experiment reported here was aimed at studying the germination and early growth of ten sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes in 0 or 20% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) solution as a model to mimic drought stress. The experiment was carried out at the Laboratory of Seed Technology and a glass house of Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University Padang from March to April 2015. A two-way factorial experiment in a completely randomised design with three replicates was assigned. Data were analysed with analysis of variance and mean comparisons of Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test at 5% level. When only PEG was found to be significant then mean comparisons was calculated according to t-Dunnet test. Sorghum seeds were germinated on two layers of Whatmann paper in Petri dishs either in 0% or 20% PEG for seven days prior to transfer into Hoagland solution containing 0 or 20% PEG with layer of paraffin wax for 21 days in a glass house. Results indicated that 20% PEG solution reduced seedling dry weight and the length or roots protruding from the paraffin wax layer in some genotypes. Sorghum genotype No. 5 was more tolerant to drought stress in their early growth followed by genotypes Samurai 2, Samurai Batan, and Pahat Batan. In contrast, genotypes Advanta and No. 44 were found to be the most susceptible.